How can lead get into my drinking water?

Typically, lead enters your water after the water leaves your local treatment plant or your well. That is, the source of lead in your home's water is most likely coming from a pipe or solder in your home's own plumbing. The most common cause is corrosion, a reaction between the water and the lead pipes or solder. Dissolved oxygen, low pH (acidity) and low mineral content in water are common causes of corrosion (Actions You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water, EPA810-F-93-001, June 1993). Additional information about actions you can take to reduce lead in drinking water is available at http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm.